Second-hand boat of the week: Biatel One Ton – A profile of the classic wooden IOR yacht

The Biatel One Ton was built in 1978 by Biatel in Hard on Lake Constance. Measuring 11.33 metres in length, 3.70 metres in width and with a draught of 2.02 metres, its layout places it firmly within the ‘One-Ton’ category of its day. In terms of construction, however, as a bespoke wooden build, it falls into a distinctly more specialised category.

​History and Design

The ‘High Noon’ was built in 1978 at Biatel in Hard on Lake Constance as a one-off wooden boat, at a time when aluminium and fibreglass construction methods were already becoming the norm for regatta boats. It was designed by the American Gary W. Mull in accordance with the principles and conventions of the International Offshore Rule (IOR), which was in vogue at the time. The first designs were drawn up in 1977. The IOR shaped the hull form, keel and rudder, the rig and the weight distribution.

Designs in this class were intended to have a low rating on paper but to be fast on the water. At the time, this led to a number of design tricks that became characteristic of IOR boats. These included narrow bows and sterns, wide midships sections, long overhangs and, in many cases, a sharply indented stern. Headroom, storage space and cruising comfort were not the main priorities. The boat features a small forward berth and two saloon berths. The former wet room has been converted into storage space.

Important to note: IOR boats from the late 1970s onwards often feature complex, flexible rigs that are difficult to handle, particularly with a small crew. The spreaders are often set neutrally, which means that the correct use of the double backstays can be vital for the rig, particularly during a strong-wind gybe. On the other hand, the Trimming the mainsail and the genoa very efficiently, which is represented not only by the twin backstays but also by the jumpstay and the backstay.

​​Regatta DNA

The “High Noon” does not merely reflect her racing heritage in her IOR design; concrete results have been documented on Lake Constance. At the 2016 International Lake Constance Week, she won the ORC-3 class. At the Bregenz Sailing Club’s West-East Regatta in July 2011, she came third in her yardstick group. She has therefore not only been designed and built as a racing yacht, but has also been sailed as such.

Checkpoints

As the boat began to spring more and more leaks in the early 2000s, a comprehensive restoration began in the winter of 2010. The load-bearing frames and the keel area were refurbished. In addition, the vessel was given twelve new coats of paint on the hull, a new interior fit-out and a complete replacement of the mast, sails and fittings. Replacing the teak deck According to the seller, the transaction was completed in 2015.

As a result of the refit described, the “High Noon” is being offered as a fully refurbished IOR classic, with the major costs of the work said to have been covered. Potential buyers should, however, assess and verify the work carried out on a case-by-case basis.

Wooden hull and keel area

The “High Noon” was built using a laminated timber construction, and the Biatel shipyard in Hard on Lake Constance still specialises in wooden boatbuilding to this day. The reasons for the refit, which was completed in 2011, included not only leaks but also brittle paintwork. Therefore, the focus should be on the accessible frames, floor stringers and glued joints. The same applies to the transition between the hull and deck, the keel sole, the keel bolts and all fitting bases. Moisture can also accumulate unnoticed beneath a comparatively new teak deck if joints, fixings or connections have not been carried out properly. These aspects should be thoroughly checked before a purchase.

Rig and sails

During the refit, the standing rigging was overhauled as well as the hull. The old aluminium mast was replaced with a new carbon mast. In addition, the spinnaker was replaced with a gennaker, including the corresponding gennaker boom on the foredeck. This was intended to make the IOR racer more modern and easier to handle.

The winches (Harken), bow and stern platforms, stanchions and running rigging have also been replaced. True to the ‘High Noon’ regatta concept, the yacht boasts ten North Sails 3Di sails, some of which are described as being in new condition. The sails are classified as high-performance and are normally found on professional offshore racers.

Engine

Ideally, a new owner shouldn’t have to worry about the engine. The original engine was replaced with a new 20 PS Yanmar, including a Gori Folding propeller, Saildrive and a new shaft. The advert states that the engine has clocked up just 30 operating hours.

Who is ‘High Noon’ suitable for?

​As described above, the “High Noon” is being offered as being in very good condition and technically as good as new. This is the seller’s description. For the buyer, however, invoices, workshop reports, photographs from the construction phase and a recent moisture analysis report are the reliable indicators. Particularly in the case of a mould-glued hull, a timber boat surveyor and an experienced boatbuilder should examine the load-bearing structure.

The Biatel One Ton ‘High Noon’, however, is a unique, high-quality second-hand yacht. It is aimed at a small, clearly defined target group. Sailors with an appreciation of IOR history, a love of classic wooden boats and a willingness to maintain them to a high standard may find their dream yacht in the Biatel One Ton. For buyers seeking uncomplicated cruising comfort, predictable running costs and easy handling, this is not the right yacht.

The data

Book recommendations

Restoring wooden boats like a professional helps buyers and owners to better understand the construction of a wooden boat. The book covers varnish, decks, planking, repairs and typical areas of damage from the keel to the mast. It is particularly helpful for the High Noon, as it enables questions regarding glue joints, moisture, fittings and the condition of an older but thoroughly refurbished hull to be assessed more thoroughly.

Maintenance and repair of classic yachts is aimed at owners who not only wish to purchase a classic yacht, but also to maintain it in the long term. The book provides practical guidance on the maintenance of timber, fittings, teak decks and surfaces. Particularly in the case of a one-off build such as the High Noon, it highlights the tasks that need to be carried out regularly and the details that should not be overlooked during condition checks.

If you were looking to buy a restored, custom-built wooden boat, would you focus first on its appearance, or would you only buy it if it came with full refit documentation and a survey report?